Claires Court or Pipers Corner over GS??

59 replies

Mumto2two · 27/03/2019 10:37

We are currently looking at potential secondary schools for our year 5 daughter. She is very able and have been told is highly suitable for GS, assuming she passes the test of course! The school have also suggested she should try out for scholarship to some of the independent schools, of which St. Helen's school has been recommended. However, our daughter has a long term health condition, and we feel aside from the journey being that bit too far, feel that maybe the pressure of an ultra pushy academic environment might be a little too much for her, so are questioning whether somewhere like Claires Court or Pipers corner might be a better fit. Does anyone have any experience of these schools? I hear good things in terms of the schools being nurturing and supportive, but are they likely to stretch the academically able, to the same extent as schools such as St. Helen's or Grammar? Would appreciate any feedback on either of these schools. Thank you.

OP posts:

Zodlebud · 27/03/2019 18:14

It always amazes me that people think that because a school is not academic in terms of intake, that it cannot stretch the very able. Very bright girls do go to these schools and Pipers in particular is now, for some, a first choice school over grammars due to the value add.

Pipers always used to have a reputation for being for lovely girls who failed the 11+ but things have changed and it’s very much on the up.

If you haven’t already been then please do go and have a look. The overwhelming feeling there is that the girls are very happy. Happy girls will do well.

Original poster

Mumto2two · 27/03/2019 15:21

Thank you for your posts, I know most scholarship values are not substantial, but every little helps!
And thank you anniehm, I had no idea that attendance could be an issue like this. It was certainly an issue at her state school, which was absolutely infuriating, as they did nothing to help us or ensure she was working at an appropriate level, all they cared about was ticking boxes for absence data and ofsted. Which was why we left in the end. Her current prep has no issue with this, and although her absence varies each term depending on her health, she still manages to come top or near top in school exams..of which they have quite a few! This term her attendance will be around 85% as she has been in hospital, but last term it was around 92%. I would have hoped that performance was a better measure than attendance, so that does surprise me. Thank you for pointing it out!

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anniehm · 27/03/2019 14:20

Independent schools vary a lot in their willingness and ability to support those with long term health conditions. They won't say outright that they won't take your dd because that could lead to discrimination cases but I do know our local independent squeezing kids out that missed school due to health reasons and not being willing or able to be flexible (conversely some are brilliant of course). Be aware that not meeting attendance targets can mean a loss of scholarships and bursaries too. As you haven't said what the health condition I have no idea how much it affects attendance but because independents are no reliant on grades to attract new customers they are not as understanding

Mustbetimeforachange · 27/03/2019 14:13

People that I know with children at both schools have been very happy with them However, none of those children were particularly academic (in that they didn't qualify for grammar schools, if that is a valid criterion!), so I don't know about pushing the more able.

Hersetta427 · 27/03/2019 13:48

Most scholarships are honorary only and don't lead to a huge reduction in fees (maybe 10 or 20%) unless combined with a bursary. Are you able and prepared to pay for the rest of the fees? Sorry if this seems an obvious question however most scholarships aren't worth huge amounts.

Original poster

Mumto2two · 27/03/2019 12:46

We are based in South Bucks, currently within easy reach of St. Helens, but are due to move further north, so will be closer to Maidenhead & Pipers, which is why they were on my radar. I know that Pipers has become quite popular recently, and know of a couple of girls who didn't get a year 7 place. However, they were both lower/middle sets, so not sure if that's reflective of overall standards. It would be interesting to understand how effective a broad ability school like Claire's Court is, at stretching their most able. Having looked at their scholarship criteria, it is indicated that an ability profile based on scores such as CATs or similar will be obtained from the current school, and should be an minimum average of 120+, which is similar to GS suitability indicators, and our daughter has consistently measured 139-141, so it would be interesting to know how scholarship children fare at the school. Thank you :)

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jonesmachine · 27/03/2019 12:38

It was always the option for those who didn’t make it through the Bucks 11+

I thought that was Hatters lane ! Sorry the 'High Crest Academy...

AliceLutherNeeMorgan · 27/03/2019 11:38

Sorry - I posted a bit too soon. Piper’s is a lovely environment though and the pastoral is supposed to be good.

AliceLutherNeeMorgan · 27/03/2019 11:34

Whereabouts are you based? Neither CC nor Piper’s are renowned for being particularly stretching, although Piper’s reputation seems to be going up. It was always the option for those who didn’t make it through the Bucks 11+

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